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A Cooperative Effort of: The City of North Bend The North Bend School District The National Park Service Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program

n n TABLE OF CONTENTS

PONY CREEK GREENWAY MAP ....... ............. ........... .... ....... ............ ........... .... .... ......... ..... ........... .... . 2

n INTRODUCTION ... ................ ...... .... .. ..... ........ ..... .... ...... .................. ................... ......... ... ....... ............. 3 Background ...... ............ ... ... ....... ........ .. ...... ...... .. ..... .. .............. .. .. ....... ...... ....... ..... ..... ...... ....... .......... ........ ... .... .. .. .... .. ..... .. .... ....... ................ ...... .... 3 Planning Team ........ ... ... ..... ........ .... .... ...... ....... ....... .. ..... ......... ..... ........... .. ...... ........ ......... ... .. ... ................. ...... .. ..... ..... ... ... ..... ... ....... ... ... .. .... ..... .... 4

D Advisory Committee ... ... .. ............. ..... .... ...................... .................... ..... .... ....... .. ............. .......... .............. ........ ............ .......... .. ..... ....... ... .... .......... . 5

THE RESOURCES OF PONY CREEK....... ........ ...... ............ .... ......... ... ..... ................ ...... ..... ...... .... ........ 6 Natural Resources ......... ...... ............................... ....... .......... ... ........ ...... ....... ... ............... ................ ......... .... ..... ..... ..... .. .... .. ............... ....... ..... .. ...... 6 Cultural Re.w1urces .. ... ............... .. ........ .. ................ ....... .. ..... ... .... .... ........... ... .. ....... .. ....... ......... ...... .. ..... .. ... .... .............. .. .... ... ........ .... .. ....... ........... 7

0 Scenic & Recreational .. ..... .... ......................... .... ....... ... ...... ....... .......... ........ .. ..... .. ...... ........ .. .. ..... ........ ....... ... ........ ... ..... .................... ... .... .... ...... 8

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ....................... ... .... ...... .... .. .... .... ...... ........ ........... ..... ....... ... ... ............ 9 Contacting Adjacent Landow11ers .................... ...... .............. ...... .. ...... ....... .. ...... ........ .. .... ........... .. ...... ....... .... .......... .... ... ....... ....... .................... I 0 Public Meetings .................. ..... ......... .......... .. ..... ...... ....... ..... ....... .. ... .................. ... ........... ........... .............. .......... ..... ....... .. .... ......... ... ... ..... ..... ... . I 0

0 VISION & GOALS ... ....... .... ..... ... ...... ................... ......... .......... ........ ............. ..... .. ............... ........ ... ...... 11 Vision .. .. ..... ............ ..... .................. ... .... .. ...... ................ ....... ............. .... ...... ... ...... ..... .... ...... ...... .. ... ........... .......... ... .. ... ..... ... ..... .. ..... .. .............. ..... 11 Goals ........ .... .. ......... .. ... .... .. ......... ....... ... .......... ..... ...... .. ..... .. ....... ............ .... .... ... .................... .. ............ ................ ....... ............. ..... ....... ... ...... .. ..... I I

C TRAIL DESIGN .... ... .. ......... ... ..... ............... ........................................................ ; .............. .... .......... ...... 12

Path Loca tion ..... .......... ... ...... ............ ............ ........ .. .. .. ... ....... ... ......... ........ ........ ....... ......... ........ ................ ......... ....... ...... ... ... ..... .. ..... ..... ... ......... 12 Surfctcing ......... .... ......... .. .... ......... .. ........ ... .. ...... ................. .......... ........ ..... ....... .. ... ....... ........... ..... .... .. .. ...... .. ......... ..... ...... .. ..... ....................... ..... 13 Accessibility .... ....... ... ......... .............. ...... ........ .. .......................... .. ......................................... .... ........... .... ............... .......... ......... ........ ...... ........... 13

C Linkage ...................... ...... .............. ........... ...... ... .. .... .. ...... ........ ....... ....... .................. .... .... ... ............... ........ ........ .. ..... ... ... ....... ....... ..... .... .......... ... 13 Re.murce Protection & Public Access .......... ... ....... .. ........ .... .. ...... .................. .... ... ......... .. ........ ........ ................ .. ... ........ ........... ... ....... .... .... .... .. 14 Support Facilities .. ... ... ... ..... ........... ...... .... ..... .... ............. ....... ..... .... ............ .................... ....... .. .......... .............................. ......... ...... .. ............ .... .. 14 lnte171retatim1 ................... ...... ........ ....... .... ... ...... ... .. ..... .. ....... ......... ........ ...... ... .......... ..... .... ..... .. ................ ...... ... ..... ...... ... .... ....... ..... ... ... .. ...... .... 16

n Interpre tive Themes ........... .... .................... .............. .. ................ ... ............... .. ........... ....... ............... .... ..... .................... ...... .... ..... ...... .. .. .. .. ..... .... 16

EDUCATION SCIENCE CENTER .............. ...... ....... ... .................. .................... ... .. ........... .. ........... .. ... . 17 Background ............. ...... ... ........... ..... ... .. ...................... ............. .... .. ... ...... .. .. ...... .. ... ..... ... ....... ... .... ... .... ... ........ ... ..... ............. .. ........ ...... ...... ......... 17 F1111ction ... ...... ... ...... .. .. ...... .. ...... .. ... ..... ......... ... ........ .. .. .. ...... ........ .......... .... ............ ...... ... .... ... ........ .. ....... .. ..... ................ .............. ........ .. ... .. .... .. .. f 7 Design .. ..... .. .... ................ ... .... ... .......... .. ......... ............. ........................ ......... ................ ....................... ... .. ................... .... ....... ......... .... ... .. .......... . 17 Loc:ation. .. ... ........... ........... ... .... ... .... ....................... ... ... ... ...... .. ....... ...... ........ ........ ... ... ..... ...... .. .... ...... ....... .... ....... ...... ... ... ..... ................. ....... .. ... ... 1 7

MAINTENANCE & MANAGEMENT ...... .... ........ ... ... ........... ..... ..... ...... ............ .. ................................ 18 Mwwge111e11t ...... ..... ........ ...... ........ .......... ............................. ..... .. ... ........ ..... ... ..... ... .. ......... ..... ....... .. ........ ... ...... .... ... ........... ....... ........ ... .. .. ... ........ 18

0 Hours of" Operation .. ........ ... .. ..................... ....... ...... ....... .................. ........ ......... ....... .... ............ .. ........ ......... .......... .... ............ ....... ............. .. .... .. 18 Litter ..... .......... .................... ...... ......... ....... .. ...... .. ....... .. .. ......... ..... ... ....... ........ .. .... ... ................ ....... ....... ....... .... ... ... ....... ............. .. ..... .. .. ...... ....... .. 18 Safety ........ ..... ...... .............. ........ ... ...... ... .... ..... ..... ........... ... ....... ....... .. ........... .. .. ....... ... .. .... .......... .. ... ... ...... .......... ..... ................. .......................... 18 Volu11teers .... ........... ........ .. ... .... ....... ...... ..... .............. ....... ...... .. ......... .. ...... ... ..... .... ...... ..... .... ...... ......... .. ....... ........ ....... ...... .. ........... .. ..... .. ... .. ..... ... 18

0 Law Enfi1rcemen t ...... ........ .... ...................... ......... ......... ... ....................... .... ............. .......................... .. ..................... ..... ................. ....... ........ .... 19 Pet Policy .... ..... .............. .... .. ... ............................. ............. ........... ... .. ....... ........ .. ...... .. .... ... .. ....... ................ .. ...... .. ..... ... ................ .................. ..... 19 Coordination. with Adjacent Lwzdmvners .. ........ ... ....... ........ ......................... ... ..... .......................... ........ .. ...... ... .... ... ........... .. ...... .................... 19

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW & PERMITTING .............. ......... ....... ................. .......... ... ...... ... ........... .... 20

C Wetlands .............. .. ....................... ........ ............................... ....... ......... ..... .. ..... ..... .. .. ............. .... ... ..... ....... .......... ...... .. ..... ....... ....... .... ....... ........... 20 Threatened & Enda11gered Species ........... ....... ................. .... ........... ..... ..... ....... ...... .. ....... ..... ......... .. ..... .......... ................... ...... ........ .. .. ... ........ 20 Water Quality .. ..... .................... ............. ..... ......... ................ ......... ....... ........ ...... ... ... ..... .... ............. ..... .. ..... ......... ........... ..... ......... .. ..... .. .. .... ........ 21 Building in Floodplains .... ............... ........ ........ .. ...... ... .... ... ........ ....... ....... ... ......... .. ..... .... ...... ....... ... ........ .. .... .. ..... ........ .......... ...... .......... ........... 21

[ Arclweology!Historic Preservation .. ....... .. ...... ........ ....... ....... ... ....... .. ....... ... ...... .......... .... ............... ..... ... .. .... .. ... ....... .......... ....... ...... .. ..... .......... 21 La11d Use Plamzing .......... ............. ... ... ......... ... .. .................... ....... ....... ......... ..... ... ..... .... ... .. ... ...... ... ... .... ..... ...... .... ..... .. ... .... ............. .......... ........ 2 2 Social-Eco1wmic ........ ......... ............. ....... .. ............... : ....... ......... ........ .. ....... ......... .. ....... ....... .... ....... .. ..... ..... .......... ... .... .. ...... ....... .. ... .... .. .. ... .. .. .. .. 2 2

FUNDING SOURCES ..... ....... ..... ...... ............... ... .. .... ... ...... ......... ..... .... ........ ........ ...... ....... ... ............... 23

[ Federal ................. ...... .... ........... ...... ........... ..... ... ..... .. ........ ..... ... ..... ..................... ................................. ........................ ... ..... ..... ........... ....... ... ..... 2 3 State ........................ ..... .... ...... .. ............ .. ..... ....................... .... .. .... ... .... ... ........... ........ ......... ... ...... .... ..... ........ .. ..... ....... .... ..... ...... .. .. .... .. ......... ....... 23 Private Business ........... .. ... ............. ........... ............ ........... ...... ......... ........ ........ ........... ....... ... .... .. ........ ...... ..... ....... .... ...... ....... .. ....... ... ......... ........ 24 Foundatio11s ...... ......... ... .... .. ......... ........ .. ....... .... .... ....... ....... ... ... ... ....... ......... ........ ........... ... .... .... ....... ......... ....... ....... .... ............ ...... ... ... .. ............ 24 In-Kind Contrabutimz.1· .. .... .. .. ....................... .... .... ... ..... ...... ... ...... ........... .... ..... .. ... .... ....... ... .. ..... ......... .... ... ... .... ....... ... .. ..... .... .... .... ........... ......... 25

L No11-Monetary Sources of" A.uistwzce ............. ........... .......................... ......... ............... ........... .......... .... ... ........ ..... ..... .... ....... .. ...... .. .... .. ...... .. .... 2 5 Commu nity Fundraising & Dmwtion.~ ............ .. ........... ....... .... ... ...... .......... ........ ......... ......... ...... ... ........ ........ ............ .................. .... ............. ... 26 lnf"omwtion Sources ....... .................... ............... ............. ... ..... ...... ................ ................ .. ................ ................................ ........ ..... .... .... .......... .... 26

l CONCLUSION ..... ........ .... ........ ... ..... ......... ............. .... ..... ..... .......... ........ ....... .......... .... ...... ... .......... ... . 27

APPENDICES ... ............ .... ... ... ...... ... .... ............ ..... .. ............ .. ........ .. ... ...... ....... ..................... ... ... ..... .... 28 Checklist r!( Birds .fi,r Pony Slough Marsh ... ................ ........ ................... ..... ........... .. ........ ....... ........... .... ...... ...... ...... ......... ....... ....... .. ... .... ... .. .. 2 8 Checklist of" Manu,wls .fi,r Pony S lough Marsh ... ................ .... ..... ......... ..... .. .. .... ....... ......... ...... ... ....... ...... ..... ..... .... ... ....... .. ............ .... ... ... ... .... 2 9

u Checklist of" Plants .fi,r Pony Slough Marsh ...... ........ .... ....... ......... .... ...... .. ...... ... ... .. .. ..... ... .... ......... .... ... .............. .. ..... ....... ....... .. .... ............ .... .. 30 Sample Letter Sent to Adjacen t Lwzdmvners ................ ............ ... .......... ................. ......... .................. ..................... .... ..... .... ........... ..... ....... ..... 31 Public Meeting Commen ts - Sep tember /998 .. .......... ............... ... ....... .. ....... ......... ......... ......... ......... ............ ... .... ........ ........ ............... ......... ... 3 2 Public Meeting Comments - September ! 999 .......... ....... ..... ... .. .................. ......... .. ........ ......... .. ...... ...... .. .. ....... .. .... ..... .......... ......... ... ...... ....... 3 3

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BACKGROUND

Initiated in February 1998, this plan presents a

concept for developing and managing a greenway

corridor along Pony Creek and Pony Slough in North

Bend, Oregon. The term 'Greenway' is used to define

a corridor that is planned, developed and managed

to integrate various transportation, recreation,

environmental education, and resource conservation

components.

The idea for the project originated with a group

of members on the North Bend School Board who

wanted to explore the possibility of developing an

education science center on land owned by the

North Bend School District that includes a portion

of Pony Creek and its associated wetlands. This

group convened several meetings that included

representatives from the North Bend School District,

Northwest Steel headers Association, Bureau of Land

Management, and Oregon State Police Department.

Together they expanded the idea and developed

a preliminary proposal containing two primary

components:

!IJj Construction of an education science center for

school use as an outdoor classroom for conducting

various science and environmental education

projects and programs.

• Partner with the city of North Bend to develop

a continuous, non-motorized pathway along Pony

Creek from Newmark Street to Virginia Avenue,

that includes a connection to the existing public

pathway along Pony Slough Bay by the airport.

3

INTRODUCTION

To further the proposal, the group organized and

submitted an application for technical assistance

from the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance

(RTCA) program of the National Park Service in

September 1997. The RTCA program provides

non-financial technical assistance on an invitational

basis to communities working on projects to

conserve, protect or restore open space and river

related resources and that provide local outdoor

recreation opportunities.

The Pony Creek Greenway application was

accepted and planning for this document first began

in February 1998, when two groups were formed.

The 'Planning Team' was organized to assume lead

responsibility for organizing the planning process,

informing and providing opportunities for public

comment and involvement, conducting research,

and writing the plan. The 'Advisory Committee' was

organized to represent key stakeholder groups in the

community and was asked to meet with the Planning

Team as required to provide advice and consultation

on the various stages of the planning process.

Representatives on these two groups are listed on the

following pages.

Tiu: c.·0111e111.,· of lhis puhlication clo 1w1 neccs.w,ri/y n.'}/e c.· t 1/,c opiniom· r?{ Jiu: Nulional Park Service or rhc /)cparlmcm rf the Interior.

PLANNING TEAM

Kelli Watson, Parks & Recreation Director, City of North Bend

The formation of the planning

team and advisory committee

had the immediate impact of

expanding the proposal to

develop a public pathway all

the way from Newmark Street to

the northern-most city limits at

the Simpson/Ferry Road Park

pathway where it connects to

Highway JOI . This idea has

long been identified in other

city planning documents

including the North Bend

Comprehensive Land Use Plan

and the 1991 Bikeway Master

Plan for North Bend.

PONY CREEK CREENWAY A Concept Plan 4

PLANNING TEAM

Kelli Watson Parks & Recreation Director

City of North Bend

Jim Pex North Bend School Board

Dennis Turowski North Bend School Board

Bryan Bowden RTCA Program National Park Service

*The Planning Team would like to acknowledge

the contributions of the following two individuals

who contributed greatly to the development of this

plan but were not officially members of the

Advisory Committee:

Anne Donnelly Coos Watershed Association

Mike Graybill Manager, South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

Jim Pex (PICTURED AT PODIUM) heads up the discussions of the issues

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ADVISORY COMMITTEE

ADVISORY COMMITTEE*

Barbara Bauder Menasha Corporation

Dale Bishop Councilor City of North Bend

John Craig Wetlands Permitting Specialist U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Angela Davis South Coast Educational Service District

John Franzen Principal North Bend Junior High School

Aaron Geisler Public Works Director City of North Bend

Ron Hanke Northwest Steelheaders Association

Marshall Herron Superintendent North Bend School District

Chris McAlear Bureau of Land Management

Terry McNeil Science Teacher North Bend Junior High School

Paul Reimers Director Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Tom Rumreich Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Dan Van Dyke Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

5

This report documents

the results of the

planning and public

involvement process since

February 1998, and

presents a conceptual plan

for the Pony Creek

Greenway. It represents the

combined ideas of dozens of

community residents,

elected officials,

agency/ organization

representatives, and

professional employees, all

of who share a unified

vision to make the

greenway a reality.

School Board Member Public Meeting and Workshop.

September 28. 1998

Tl--11E RESOURCES OF PONY CREEK

NATURAL RESOURCES

Pony Creek originates from Upper Pony Creek

Reservoir, located south of Coos Bay in mountains

referred to as the Coast Range. The reservoir was

established to provide a reliable public water supply

for the cities of North Bend and Coos Bay and is

operated and managed by a joint Coos Bay/North

Bend Water Board Agency. Consequently much of

the watershed containing the creek and

forestland of the upland watershed containing Pony

Creek is dominated by western hemlock and Douglas

fir forest. It is home to numerous species of birds

and animals including bald eagles, hawks, osprey,

waterfowl, woodpeckers, owls, Roosevelt elk, bobcat,

black-tailed deer, beaver, otter, mink and porcupine.

This forestland is a renewable resource that has, and

continues to be, a major force

reservoir is jointly owned by the two cities.

Pony Creek flows from the reservoir in a

northerly direction through Coos Bay and

North Bend and empties into the Pony

An estuary is a very rich natural environment where

of the Coos County economy

by providing jobs and a high

standard of living for local

residents. Additionally, it

fresh water meets and mixes with salt water.

Slough Estuary along the Coos River.

Natural resource and environmental education experts

generally agree there are eight distinct and significant

coastal environments along the Oregon Coast within

the narrow band of land between the Coast Range and

the Pacific Ocean. These are:

llt the near shore ocean and continental shelf

llt capes, sea stacks and rocky shores

llt beaches and dunes

llt coastal estuaries

llt coastal terraces

llt coastal valleys

llt forested Coast Range watersheds

llt the rivers and streams which link them together

Pony Creek is a significant natural resource because it

links three of the above environments. It begins in a

forested Coast Range watershed, is channeled through

a coastal valley, and drains into a coastal estuary where

fresh and salt water mix. Each of these areas provides

habitat for a great diversity of plants and wildlife

including fish, birds and invertebrates. This habitat is

the result of many complex biological processes that

contribute to the overall health and function of the

local environment and, thereby, the quality of life

enjoyed by residents and visitors to North Bend. The

PONY CREEK CREENWAY A Concept Plan 6

contributes greatly to the

quality of life enjoyed by residents and visitors to

North Bend by providing a scenic backdrop to the

community and abundant outdoor recreation opportu­

nity. From its upland beginnings, Pony Creek quickly

flattens out into a broad coastal valley environment

characterized by a large wetland north of Newmark ·

Street. Pony Creek flows from this wetland as a slow,

meandering creek on its way to the Pony Slough

estuary. Much of this valley area was once a large,

marshy intertidal wetland subject to frequent flooding,

but over time it has been filled and developed. During

this process, Pony Creek was channeled into its current

configuration.

The valley wetland, creek and associated riparian

area are the primary conduit for the water and nutrients

flowing from the upland watershed to the sea.

Consequently it is dominated by water, marsh and

riverine dependent plants, trees and shrubs such as

sedges, reeds, cattails, willows and grasses. This

environment provides habitat to a diverse variety of

fish, birds, mammals, amphibians and invertebrates

that includes trout, ducks, geese, herons, bats, mink,

porcupine, beaver, and frogs.

At its mouth, Pony Creek empties into the Pony

Slough Estuary tideflats area. This is where fresh and

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salt-water mix, rhythmically covered and uncovered

by the changing of the tides. These tideflats provide

unique habitat for many plants, animals and birds

such as seaweed, seagrasses, fish, snails, clams,

shrimp, crabs, gulls, and herons. Water, nutrients and

sunlight fertilize huge numbers of one-celled plants

(phytoplankton) in this area. These in turn feed large

numbers of small animals (zooplankton) which in turn

feed larger animals. The estuary

waters eventually flow into the

sea where the sun evaporates

some of the water, forming the

clouds that carry the rainwater

to replenish the watershed and

so continue· the cycle.

Pony Creek is also significant

because of the fact that it flows

through the heart of a highly

developed urban area. This

presents some exciting

opportunities but also poses

some difficult management

issues. The opportunities are

exciting because Pony Creek is

a healthy, functioning riparian

area located close to where

people live, work and play. If

managed properly, it can provide multiple community

benefits related to environmental education, conserva­

tion, recreation, aesthetics, and mobility at a human

scale.

On the other hand, the fact that Pony Creek flows

through a developed urban area poses management

challenges. Chief among these is the potential for

gradual resource degradation resulting from the

cumulative impacts of human activity. For example,

the large wetland area adjacent to Newmark Street has

a serious infestation of purple loosestrife that is most

likely attributable to human development and

alteration of the environment over the course of many

years. Purple loosestrife threatens the integrity of the

wetland because it has the ability to out compete

native vegetation, thereby degrading nesting habitat

for waterfowl. If waterfowl disappear, then other

negative impacts will follow. 7

CULTURAL RESOURCES

The name 'Pony Slough' is attributed to Native

American presence, although there is some

disagreement over the exact source. Either Indians

watered their horses in it or a pony owned by an

Indian child drowned in the waterway. Contemporary

View towards dunes and railroad grade along the Pony Slough Estuary

tribal members have suggested a Coos village may

have been located near what is now North Bend

High School.

By the turn of the century, Pony Slough was a busy

place. The Grand Central Railroad organized in 1902

to build a rail line from this area to Salt Lake City.

Grand Central Land Company bought tracts of land

and began the townsite of Bangor. It was forecast as the

nucleus and commercial center of a large city, bringing

prosperity 'Where Rail Meets Sail.' Entrepreneur and

railroad trustee L.D. Kinney platted and sold lots in

Bangor. As Chief Engineer for the Belt Line Company,

he purchased acreage and built a railroad com-missary

and sawmill (the sawmill was located about where

Ken Ware Chevrolet is now).

Kinney also sold land to the North

Bend School District for the site of a

high school. Originally named

Kinney High School, the name

During World War II, the federal government

appropriated North Bend Airport

for military use.

and usability.

Pony Slough has an extensive

history of utilization and develop­

ment that has contributed richly

changed quickly when it was learned Kinney did not

own the property he sold. The railroad

commissary became West Side School and eventually

held classrooms for North Bend High School. Sunset

Elementary School, near the airport, gave way to the

new, bigger Bangor School in the mid I 950's.

Charles King and Vern Gorst, pioneers in local land

transportation, began the first auto stage company in

the area in 1912. It ran from North Bend to Marshfield

via a county road near Pony Slough. Earlier, a wagon

road ran from North Bend to Pony Slough, then south

over the hills to Marshfield and west to Empire. By

1913, city fathers were looking at placing a planked

road over the slough. A footbridge at the end of

Montana Street eventually connected to the sloughs

eastern shore.

The history of the North Bend Airport is another

important chapter in the region's history. In late 1929,

federal officials were seeking a site for an emergency

landing strip between San Francisco and Puget Sound.

Bennett Air Transport inaugurated daily flights to

Willamette Valley towns in 1930. Its dedication in

I 932, and further construction in the late I 930's as a

Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, ad­

vanced accessibility to and from the San Francisco Bay

Area. During World War II, the federal government

appropriated North Bend Municipal Airport for

military use. Commissioned as U.S. Naval Auxiliary

Air Station in 1943, its primary mission was to support

fleet units vital to coastal defense.

In the late I 930's, the WPA completed the improve­

ment of Virginia Avenue across Pony Slough by

replacing a trestle with fill and a surfaced road. The

federal program also planned to install a tide gate to

make 'waste land' available for cultivation in the

'Pony inlet morass . .' Nevertheless, the area grew slowly

and remained primarily residential until tidelands were

filled and the Pony Village Mall was built in the early

I 960's. Further changes have come about in recent

years as industrial enterprises and the Coast Guard Air

Station have taken advantage of its prime location 8

to local heritage. Tribal culture,

the pioneer era's farms, dairies, slaughterhouse, and

working class residences, and current use by Coast

Guard Air Station, commercial and industrial enter-

prises, and shopping are all examples of the various

land uses that have occurred in the region over the

centuries to the present.

SCENIC & RECREATIONAL

The Oregon Coast is world renowned for its scenic

splendor and abundant recreational opportunities,

particularly along the south/central coastline. The

spectacular scenery includes dramatic rocky headlands

and capes, rocky shores, beaches and dunes, surf,

seastacks, rivers, streams, and forested coastal moun­

tains. Wildlife is abundant providing plentiful

opportunities to view whales, sea li.ons, shorebirds,

waterfowl, deer, elk, raptors, hawks, herons, etc.

Cultural features are also appealing and include sites

such as lighthouses, fishing harbors, bridges, and

historic buildings.

Recreation opportunities abound. Examples include

fresh and saltwater fishing, hiking, bicycle touring,

hunting, clam digging, crabbing, photography,

tide-pool exploration, kite flying, mountain biking,

dune buggy riding, nature study, art, poetry, painting,

whale watching, boating, camping, picnicking,

pleasure driving, windsurfing, and horseback riding.

Recreation facilities are plentiful and managed by a

variety of federal, state and local agencies and private

businesses, thereby offering users a range of choices.

Of particular importance is the Oregon Coast Bike

Route that has been designated by Oregon State Parks

as a continuous bicycle route along the Oregon Coast

from Washington to California. From north to south,

the Oregon Coast Bike Route currently enters North

Bend over McCullough Bridge on Highway IO I; is

routed through neighborhoods to the Cape Arago

Highway (west on Virginia, south on Broadway, east

on Newmark); and connects back to Highway 101

where it continues south into Coos Bay.

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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

When staff from the National Park Service RTCA

program first met with the project proponents, a

strategy was developed for conducting the project

that included two parallel tracks . The first track was

to organize a small core 'Planning Team' to research

and write a draft concept plan for the Pony Creek

Greenway. The second track was to design and

conduct a community involvement process to provide

opportunities for stakeholders and the public to be

informed about the project and to contribute ideas and

suggestions in a timely manner as the plan was being

developed. It was also decided to form an 'Advisory

Committee' from key stakeholder groups in the

community to serve as a bridge between the planning

and public involvement tracks .

Pony Creek Greenway;. North Bend, Oregon

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Planning Process {Planning Team)

Vision & Goal Setting !. Greenway & Path System 2. Education Science Center 3. Wildlife Viewing/Environmental Education 4. Public Asset

lnrormation Gathering !. Resource {Natural, Cultural, Recreational}

Inventory 2. Mapping 3. Stake Holder Issues

Analysis !. Opportunities & Constraints 2. Concepts 3. Graphics 4. Funding Sources 5. Partnerships

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Community Involvement Process

Direct Involvement ofAc§acent landowners

Public Meeting to Outline the Planning Process !. Introduce Planning Team 2. Introduce Advisory Committee 3. Summarize the Process 4. Solicit Public Comment, Input Feedback,

Concems 5. &plain How the Public Stays Informed

Public 'Open House' !. Summarize Contents or the Preliminary Draft

Plan 2. Post Maps, Conceptual Graphics, Etc. 3. Ask for Input

Advisory Committee (Bridges the Two Processes)

IV. Action/Implementation Plan {Who, What When, How)

Planning Team Meets with the Advisory Committee as Needed

V. Release Draft and Final Plans

9

CONTACTING ADJACENT LANDOWNERS

The first step in the community involvement process

was to identify all of the adjacent landowners within

the project study area and send each household a

personal letter. The letters provided explanation about

the project and informed them who they could contact

if they had questions, concerns or comments. (See

Appendix IV for a sample of the adjacent landowner

letter.)

A few phone calls were received as a result of these

letters . Many callers expressed support for the project

and some had specific questions they wanted answered.

No one expressed opposition to the project and most

expressed a desire to be kept informed as the project

progressed.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

An initial public meeting was organized and

conducted on September 28, 1998, at the North Bend

Junior High School. A total of 25 people attended.

This meeting was planned for two purposes: 1) to share

information about the project; and 2) to give the public

an opportunity to review and comment on preliminary

ideas for major plan components. To accomplish these

goals, the first part of the meeting was organized to

PONY CREEK CREENWAY A Concept Pion 10

provide background information on the project (i.e.,

history and origin of the idea; role of the National Park

Service; and introductions of 'Planning Team' and

'Advisory Committee' members) . The remainder of the

meeting was designed to be more interactive and afford

participants the opportunity to review and comment on

preliminary ideas and research in each of five major

plan components. To accomplish this goal, Advisory

Committee members organized and staffed five work

stations, one for each major component. These were:

!It Vision/Management Issues

!It Trail Design

!It Education

!It Education science center

!It Permitting Process

Meeting participants were provided a questionnaire

and asked to visit each station and provide their

comments, concerns, ideas or reactions for each.

(A summary of the public comments received at this

workshop is provided in the 'Appendices' section.)

A second public meeting was organized and conducted

on September 30, 1999, at the North Bend Public

Library. Approximately 20 people attended. The

purpose of this meeting was to release a draft of the

concept plan and provide a public review period to

comment on its content prior to publishing the

final plan. Summary presentations on the major

chapters of the plan were provided followed by

an open discussion , question, and comment period.

Copies of the plan were available for public review

and comment through October 15, 1999. (A

summary of the public comments received at this

meeting is provided in the 'Appendices' section.)

Participants at the September, 1998, Public Meeting and Workshop reviewing a map of the proposed route

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VISION

The Pony Creek Greenway is carefully managed as an important resource for the people, animals, plants and biological systems dependent on the benefits it provides .

• The Greenway is used by people for recreation and as a non-motorized transport­ation link to other parts of the community

• The Greenway provides habitat for plant and animal communities

• The Greenway allows important biologi­cal processes to occur that contribute to clean air and water

• The Greenway provides an opportunity for people to learn about natural systems and ecosystems

GOA LS

Goal 1: Provide re;ident and visitor access opportunities in the Pony Creek area and create a non-motorized transportation linkage be­tween recreational, educational and commer­cial facilities in the community.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Build a pathway from Newmark Street to Virginia Avenue along Pony Creek.

2. Continue the pathway north from Virginia Avenue along Harrison Street to Pony Slough, up through Simpson Park, to the Simpson/Ferry Road Trail where it connects to Highway 101 at the foot of the McCullough Bridge.

3. Continue the pathway east from Newmark to link with Boynton Park.

4 . Continue the pathway west from Newmark to Broadway.

5. Provide directional signs along the pathway.

6. Build turnouts with seating for stopping, resting and viewing of the area.

11

VISIONS AND GOALS

Goal 2: Restore and manage Pony Creek wetland and riparian areas for their natural values.

OBJECTIVES:

I. Provide healthy habitat for native plant and animal communities.

2. Assure important biological processes occur unimpaired that contribute to clean air and water.

3. Plan and conduct restoration projects to improve wetland and riparian area function .

Goal 3: Provide opportunities for people to learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

OBJECTIVES:

I. Develop an educational science center adjacent to Pony Creek in conjunction with North Bend School District programs and curriculum .

2. Plan and develop interpretive/edu~ational materials on significant natural and cultural resources of the area utilizing a variety of media.

Goal 4: Develop public stewardship for the Pony Creek Watershed.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Increase people's AWARENESS of the resource (plan and develop interpretive/ educational materials).

2. Increase people's OWNERSHIP of the resource (provide opportunities for different groups within the community to get involved with planning, development and management of the greenway [i.e., civic and youth groups, arts, education, business, health care, and neighborhood associations.] )

TRAIL DESIGN

PATH LOCATION

The Pony Creek Pathway is located in the heart of

North Bend . It is phase III of the City's trail system

plan and will complete a 2.25 mile linkage from the

northern-most city limits at the Simpson/Ferry Road

Park pathway to the southern-most city limits at

Newmark Avenue. This will create a three mile long

pathway through the most central parts of North Bend

and will become the designated route for the Oregon

Coast Bike Route through North Bend, thereby

getting touring bicyclists off Highway IO I and

providing a safer, more enjoyable route for these

travelers. The pathway will run past the North Bend

Visitors Center on Highway IO I, up through Simpson

Park, down to Pony Slough, along Harrison Street

to Pony Creek, through the marsh and out to

Newmark Avenue.

View of McCullough Bridge The Pathway will begin at the northern-most city limits at Simpson Ferry Road Park.

located at the foot of the McCullough Bridge.

PONY CREEK CREENWAY A Concept Plan 12

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SURFACING

A public multi-use pathway for pedestrian and

bicycle transportation will be developed through the

heart of North Bend . It will consist of a combination

of concrete sidewalk, bike lane striping, asphalt

paving, a wooden bridge,

and elevated boardwalk

(possibly built with plastic

lumber from recycled

materials) over wetlands.

Elevated boardwalk,

Wildwood Lake Sanctuary, Harrisburg,

Pennsylvania.

ACCESSIBILITY

The pathway will be designed to be accessible for

all users wherever possible, including people in

wheelchairs and those who walk with the assistance

of a walker or cane. In areas of steep terrain design

alternatives (e.g. , utilization of switchbacks or

provision of frequent rest area intervals) will be

utilized. All applicable laws governing the design

and construction of public facilities will be

adhered to.

It should be noted that the Architectural and

Transportation Barriers Compliance Board is

responsible for developing and adopting uniform

federal accessibility standards. Since passage of

the Americans With Disabilities Act an advisory

committee has been working to develop

recommendations to the Board for making recreation

facilities and outdoor developed areas (including paths

13

and trails) accessible to and usable by individuals

with disabilities . As of this writing , no such standards

have been formally adopted by the Board. Until final

standards are available it is recommended that an

earlier advisory committee

report 'Recommendations

for Accessibility Guidelines:

Recreational Facilities and

Outdoor Developed Areas'

(July 1994) be utilized as

a common sense guide for

addressing accessibility

issues in trail design and

construction .

It should also be noted that

while no standard has been

specifically developed for.

recreation , existing guidelines

for faciliti es such as parking

areas, restrooms, entrances and

accessible routes do exist and must be followed. The

benefits from providing accessible facilities are safer

and better conditions for all visitors , not just those with

disabilities, and the increased possibility for persons

with disabilities to not only have access , but to do so

along side their non-disabled fri ends and family.

LINKAGE

The project is a cooperative effort between the city

of North Bend, the North Bend School District and

local partners to enhance non-motorized surface

transportation by building a multi-use pathway

linking neighborhoods, business districts , parks and

schools for bicyclists and pedestrians. It will provide

access to a senior and disabled low income housing

complex with 60 residents; a junior high and high

school with 1,400 students ( 14% of the North Bend

population); the largest enclosed shopping mall on

the Oregon Coast; a brand new Safeway grocery store;

three city parks; a full-size municipal indoor swimming

Pedestrian bridges will help create important linkage between the greenway, schools and residential areas.

pool; a 119 room motel; a quad-screen movie

theatre; and several neighborhoods and sub-divisions.

Residents and visitors will benefit from the many

opportunities for non-motorized access to key

destinations throughout the community.

RESOURCE PROTECTION AND PUBLIC ACCESS

A major goal for greenway development is to carefully

design the pathway to avoid impacting sensitive

natural and/or cultural resource areas while providing

for public access. These two ideas do not necessarily

have to conflict with each other. Many techniques

exist that design engineers and landscape architects

can employ to minimize resource impacts while

providing for public access and enjoyment. Trail

construction may be able to enhance wildlife habitat

PONY CREEK CREENWAY A Concept Plan 14

through techniques such as building bat and bird

boxes, leaving nurse logs and dead snags in place,

placing woody debris in the creek, and developing

rocky areas for reptiles. Shorter spur trails can be built

off the main path that lead to sheltered wildlife

viewing areas (similar to a duck blind) . Construction

techniques utilizing native vegetation and natural

materials can be used to keep people on paths and

away from sensitive areas. Elevated boardwalks allow

people to travel over wetlands with minimal impact to

the resource.

SUPPORT FACILITIES

Along the three mile pathway are several types of

support facilities for residents, visitors, cyclists and

pedestrians. The North Bend Information Center will

be a main access point for visitors to get information

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about the pathway and its amenities. In addition to

the business and commercial facilities available along

the way are three parks, (Simpson, Ferry Road and

Boynton) with restroom and parking facilities that can

be used as staging areas for access to the pathway.

Restaurants, grocery stores and a shopping mall are

located along the route as well. On the pathway itself,

benches will be located at scenic and rest points and

wildlife viewing platforms will be constructed along

the Pony Slough and Creek areas. Directional and

informational signs will be appropriately located along

the path, and attractive interpretive signs will be used

to explain the surrounding cultural and environmental

aspects of the area.

Directional and interpretive signs will be appropriately placed throughout the greenway to enhance the user experience.

15

Fl c oM ,", o ro r R \ \.

Interpretive signs inform and educate people on a variety of topics related to an areas natural and cultural resources.

INTERPRETATION

Interpretation refers to a program designed to

provide informative and educational material to people

on a variety of topics related to an areas natural and

cultural resources . This information can be presented

utilizing a variety of media such as signs and displays,

brochures, guided walks and talks, web sites, audio

tours, and information kiosks.

Pathway interpretation will highlight the Pony Slough

and Creek areas that are rich in wildlife, plants,

fisheries, and scenic beauty. Past and present history

and culture encompassing Pony Creek and Slough will

also be highlighted along the pathway.

INTERPRETIVE THEMES

There are literally thousands of topics that could

be interpreted within the Pony Creek Watershed.

However, when developing an interpretive program,

it is important to carefully select a few primary themes

and keep to them. Many programs try to do too much

and end up diluting the message. These are the

recommended themes for developing an interpretive

program for the Pony Creek Greenway.

COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS Pony Creek flows through three of the eight significant

coastal environment types found along the Oregon

Coast that have been categorized by natural resource

and environmental education experts. These are

forested upland watershed, coastal valley; and coastal

estuary. It is important for people to understand the

characteristics of these environments, the types of

PONY CREEK CREENWAY A Concept Plan 16

plants and animals uniquely adapted to live in these

areas, and the complex biological processes occurring

within and a few hundred yards on either side of the

stream corridor connecting these three environments.

HUMAN LAND USE AND CULTURE There is a rich history of human habitation, land

use, and folklore within the Pony Creek watershed

deserving of research and expression. The area has

been occupied and utilized for thousands of years,

presenting countless opportunities to develop interpre­

tive media around subjects such as : Native American

culture, lifestyles and mythology ; European

exploration and settlement; the logging, shipping, and

fishing industry; current business and economics; and

local legends. These stories and images can be brought

to life through a variety of art, music, sculpture, and

interpretive panels. This also presents a significant

opportunity to involve vµrious segments of the

community in creating a unique and special character

for the green way (e.g., the arts community, historical

society, teachers, and educators.)

FLORA/FAUNA Many people want the opportunity to learn about,

understand, and view the various plant

and animal species founq within an area.

There are abundant opportunities along

Pony Creek to develop 'viewing areas'

that could be large bump-outs or short

spur trails from the main pathway. These

areas could include pictures and photo­

graphs of the types of plants and wildlife

commonly found in the area and could

include more detailed information for

those who are interested. Primary

opportunities for these areas are along the

Pony Slough Estuary

and the large wetland

area adjacent to

Newmark Street.

Some examples of flora and fauna visible along the Pony Creek

Greenway

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EDUCATION SCIENCJE CENTER

BACKGROUND

A significant portion of the area containing Pony

Creek and its associated wetlands is on land owned by

the North Bend School District. Consequently, many

members of the North Bend School Board have often

talked about the opportunity to develop an education

science center for school use as a 'hands-on' classroom

for science and environmental education classes. In

fact, the idea for creating a greenway along Pony

Creek originated from a series of focus group meetings

organized by the School Board to discuss environmen­

tal education opportunities along Pony Creek.

FUNCTION

The education science center would function as a

living laboratory where students could get involved in

a variety of hands-on science projects.

Examples include:

/It Wetland restoration and long-term

monitoring for results

!It Fish and plant propagation

!It Water and air quality testing and

monitoring

!It Inventory and catalog various plant,

animal, bird and invertebrate species

in wetland, riparian and estuary

habitats

!It Monitor and control invasive,

non-native species

!It Other projects involving biology,

botany, geology, meteorology,

physics, chemistry, astronomy, etc.

17

It is also envisioned that the facility could function

as an education science center for populations outside

the North Bend student body. Pony Slough is readily

accessible which makes it an ideal setting for field

trips and outdoor learning. Programs could be

established whereby outside school districts bring in

students for one or more days to study topics related

to marine, estuary and coastal environments utilizing

Pony Creek, Pony Slough and other nearby resources

(e.g., South Slough National Estuary Reserve) .

DESIGN

The facility would be designed to accommodate

approximately thirty students at a time in a classroom/

laboratory type setting. The building itself would be

integrated into the greenway, providing opportunities

for trail users to learn about various student activities

and projects . This could include display windows for

school projects and periodic public open houses. It is

also envisioned that one entire outside wall would be

an aquarium containing native fish species, Inside,

the building would likely have concrete floors

with laboratory bench tops allowing for quick and

easy cleaning.

LOCATION

The proposed location for the education science

center would be close to Pony Creek in the area

between the two ballfields near where the pedestrian

bridge will cross the creek.

MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT

MANAGEMENT

The Pony Creek Greenway will be jointly developed

and managed in partnership between the North Bend

Parks and Recreation Department and the North

Bend School District (hereinafter referred to as the

'Managers'). Close coordination between management

officials of both agencies will be a regular and

on-going occurrence. It is anticipated that both parties

will jointly sign a 'Memorandum of Agreement' for

sharing maintenance and operation costs, and

implementing operational procedures for the greenway.

Generally, the School District will manage the

green way over school property, and the Parks and

Recreation Department will manage the rest. There

will, however, be occasions when one agency or the

other will take the lead role in implementing certain

actions throughout the greenway corridor based on

the availability of needed expertise and resources.

HOURS OF OPERATION

The trail will operate on a 'dawn to dusk ' policy.

No night lighting will be used so darkness will deter

people from using the trail at night. Signs will be

posted at trailheads indicating the trail is closed

after dark.

LITTER

Litter and debris can be an issue where people have

access, and consequently there needs to be a joint

effort between the users, the City, the School District

and the community to keep the area clean . In

addition, students, volunteers, businesses and people

who live along the route can also help with litter

control and in reporting maintenance that needs to be

addressed. It is likely that an 'Adopt-A-Trail' program

will be implemented in which certain groups,

organizations and/or individuals would assume

PONY CREEK CREENWAY A Concept Plan 18

responsibility for maintaining a section of the trail.

Trash receptacles should be appropriately placed at

key locations throughout the route.

SAFETY

Trail safety is an area that will receive close attention

in the design phase of the project. Physical safety

issues will be addressed in the following areas: grade

and cross-slope dimensions; line of sight around

corners; brush clearance; railings; directional and

warning signs; at-grade crossings and intersections;

and congestion among multiple users. In addition,

vandal-resistant products and designs will be used

wherever possible to discourage illegal activity that

could lead to a hazard.

VOLUNTEERS

It is strongly recommended that the Managers develop

and implement a volunteer program that allows people

to get involved with the day-to-day operations of

the greenway. This would contribute to the goal of

developing public stewardship for the watershed.

For example:

• Civic groups, youth organizations, or

businesses might want to adopt a section of

trail and be responsible for litter patrol and

light maintenance

• Another group might build, install and

maintain signs and benches (according to a

standardized design - haphazard development

should not be allowed)

• The North Bend Police bike patrol might

be able to specially train a local bike club or

youth organization who could then patrol the

trail on bike (non-law enforcement) and

provide visitor information and assistance

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#There might be a local art community that

could incorporate art into the greenway (i.e.,

music , poetry, sculpture, painting, murals, and

dance.) A local conservation club or bird­

watching group could lead nature walks or

help identify birds and wildlife

# Annual events could be

organized around 'Earth Day '

and 'National Trails Day ' for

activities like creek restoration ,

fun runs, purple Joosestrife

control , etc.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

The City of North Bend Police

Department will have jurisdiction over

the pathway because of its location within

the city limits. The area is under a current

patrol schedule; this will continue as it

has in the past. In addition, the North

Bend Police bike patrol will be able lo

frequently ride the trail. The bike patrol

will be a great aid to personal safety for

users, as well as a lookout for any potentially

hazardous maintenance situations that may need

attention.

PET POLICY

Pets will be allowed on the trail as Jong as they are on

a leash . Pet owners will be encouraged to clean up

after their pets through the use of signs, informational

brochures, etc.

19

COORDINATION WITH ADJACENT

LANDOWNERS

Establishing and maintaining a 'Good Neighbor'

policy will be a high priority for the Managers. It is

Volunteer bike patrols could be specially trained by the North Bend Police Bike Patrol Unit

critically important that everyone living adjacent

to the greenway know who they can contact with

questions, comments, suggestions or concerns; that

they will be listened to; and that they will be treated

reasonably and courteously. During the design and

construction phase, city staff will work directly with

adjacent landowners to incorporate their desires for

appropriate landscaping and screening. Once the trail

is open, city officials will encourage trail users to park

at designated parking areas rather than on residential

streets. Over time, as trust and confidence grows,

adjacent landowners can become a second set of eyes

and ears watching over the greenway and alerting

appropriate officials about maintenance, safety and

other operational matters of concern.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW 1& PERMITTING

Implementing a project like the Pony Creek Greenway

will likely be subject to multiple environmental review

and permitting processes. It is important to realize

these processes are in place for good cause to protect

public interest in fundamental rights to clean air, water,

a healthy environment, and protection of a shared

cultural heritage.

Preliminary contact with officials at the Oregon

Division of State Lands indicated the following:

I) no permit will be required for a wooden boardwalk

that is above the vegetation ; 2) piling is okay ; 3) an

asphalt trail located near the edge of the creek is okay;

4) they would like to see a concept drawing of the

education science center and related functions of

this component.

Serious problems are not anticipated

with these processes because the

stated goals of the Pony Creek

Greenway are fully compatible with

these requirements. This document

reflects a strong desire to conserve,

Protecting species habitat is the most common and effective way of assisting listed species to survive.

Preliminary contact with officials at

the U.S . Army Corps of Engineers

indicated the following: 1) a permit

is required for any intrusion to

restore and wisely manage the natural and cultural

resources within the proposed corridor in a manner

fully consistent with the same values environmental

review and permitting processes are designed to

protect.

Following is preliminary information on topics that

may be subject to environmental review during the

planning and construction of the green way.

WETLANDS

Wetland areas were disappearing in the United States

at an alarming pace prior to enactment of laws

designed to protect against the net loss of further

wetland areas. Consequently, development proposals

that would negatively impact wetland areas are now

required to obtain a permit that demonstrates how

impacts to those wetlands will be mitigated.

The Pony Creek Greenway is envisioned to be located

directly over some wetland areas and designed in such

a manner that allows people visual access (for wildlife

observation) but will not have direct, negative impacts.

In addition , this plan envisions restoration and better

management of the existing wetland resources of Pony

Creek.

PONY CREEK CREENWAY A Concept Plan 20

wetlands; 2) the permit application

must describe type of materials, length , route, etc. of

the boardwalk; 3) they would want to see a description

of the education science center and then can say what

requirements are, if any. They did not foresee any

readily identifiable problems with the boardwalk

proposal.

THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

The Threatened and Endangered Species Act was

passed by Congress to identify, list and protect species

of plants or animals considered to be threatened or

endangered with possible extinction . Protecting

species habitat is the most common and effective way

of assisting listed species to survive.

Preliminary consultations with wildlife biologists

and botanists reveal no knowledge of threatened or

endangered species within the proposed greenway

area. In addition, this plan envisions restoration and

better management of habitat areas to provide for

native plants and wildlife.

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WATER QUALITY

Pony Creek is des ignated as Water Quality Limited,

which means it has high levels of fecal coliform. This

designation is based on 1983 data from the Oregon

Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that is

considered to be outdated. Recent water quality

testing conducted by the city shows that the water

quality is much improved and not a significant

problem. DEQ is not scheduled to address the Pony

Creek area in a water quality management plan until

the year 2002.

Preliminary contact with officials at DEQ revealed

they are less concerned with the proposed pathway

than the education science center that may be directly

utilizing the creek. DEQ will be asked to comment on

the project through the Army Corps of Engineers

permit process and will state problems and objections,

if any, at that time. They indicated a willingness to

participate in joint meetings designed to move the

project forward in such a manner that would not

impede any solutions to improving the water quality

in the future.

BUILDING IN FLOOD PLAINS

Laws covering the type of development that can or

cannot occur within noodplains have been passed to

protect society (and individuals) from the high cost of

recovering from a major nood event. The type of

development envisioned for the Pony Creek Greenway

(i .e ., boardwalk, asphalt path , and benches) is usually

compatible with these laws. Furthermore, development

of a green way along Pony Creek will enhance the areas

functional ability to absorb noodwater and thereby

help prevent damage to adjacent property in the case

of a major flood event.

21

ARCHAEOLOGY/HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Archaeology and historic preservation laws exist

to protect against unnecessary and unauthorized

disturbance of historical and/or pre-historical artifacts

and/or human remains. Preliminary discussions with a

cultural resource specialist from the Bureau of Land

Management about the proposed Pony Creek

Greenway project did not reveal any potential

problems with

archaeological

artifacts, primarily

because most areas

subject to

construction have

been previously

disturbed.

The city of North Bend will take all reasonable and

customary precautions to preserve the historic

surroundings.

Nevertheless, estuaries, rivers and headlands are

areas considered archaeologically 'sensitive' due to

Native American hunting and gathering practices.

Additionally, it has been suggested that a Coos village

may have been located at one time in the area near

what is now North Bend High School. Impacts to any

historic buildings or structures are not likely at all.

The city of North Bend will take all reasonable

and customary precautions to avoid impacting

archaeological sites and, in the event human remains

or artifacts are uncovered during construction, will

immediately cease construction activity, secure the

area, and initiate consultation with the State Historic

Preservation Office (SHPO) in Salem.

LAND USE PLANNING

The Pony Creek Greenway is not listed in a

Transportation System Plan, however the city is

currently looking for a consultant to prepare such a

document. The North Bend Parks and Recreation

Master Plan does list the Pony Creek pathway as a

high priority project. In addition , the proposed route

falls within the North Bend Urban Growth Boundary,

crosses several planning zones, including RM, ML,

CG, and R7, and is consistent with DLCD statewide

planning goals and North Bend's Comprehensive

Land Use Plan. The city planner has reviewed

preliminary plans for the pathway component and

does not have any foreseeable concerns about

the project.

The North Bend Information Center located at the south end of the McCullough Bridge

PONY CREEK CREENWAY A Concept Plan 22

SOCIO-ECONOMIC

The City of North Bend's population is approximately

9,910 people, with the greater Bay Area at 35,000.

The potential usage of the green way is regional, as it

will be a unique 3-mile route of extraordinary scenic

beauty and recreational significance. With very few

designated pedestrian and/or bicycle paths available

in the region, the pathway will be heavily utilized by

residents throughout the Bay Area for the many

benefits it will offer. Visitors who travel by automobile

will be encouraged to stop and use the path, as well

as cyclists travelling the Oregon Coast Bike Route.

The potential of enticing visitors to stay overnight

will increase with the offer of activities afforded by the

greenway. With visitors

spending approximately

$52 each per day, and

12,000 annual visitors

logged in at the Information

Center, the potential income

to the community by

enticing overnight stays is

evident. In addition, the

route will move people into

commercial areas for

shopping, lodging, dining

and other recreational

opportunities. The

education science center

and pathway will also

attract visiting school

groups, private tour

operators, Elderhostel

groups, birdwatchers and

others to the natural

resources of the estuary.

The Pony Creek Greenway will provide economic and

social benefits and enhance the quality of life to the

community of North Bend and the region.

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Putting together a greenway project of this magnitude

requires fundraising from numerous sources that will

likely include a combination of federal , state, local and

private grant programs, community fundraising and

creative non-monetary support. Most grant programs

are established for specific purposes (e.g., recreation,

environmental restoration, transportation , health and

fitness, education, and science) and the challenge is to

identify those elements of the green way that match

targeted funding sources.

Following is information on some of the better

known grant programs that can assist in greenway

development.

FEDERAL

TEA-21 The most significant source of money for the Pony

Creek Greenway is contained in the Transportation

Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21 ). Congress

passed TEA-21 legislation in 1998, thereby

authorizing highway, highway safety, transit and

other surface transportation programs for the next six

years . Total TEA-21 funding is about $198 billion.

The reason this is important as a potential funding

source is because the legislation includes initiatives

to protect and enhance communities and the natural

environment as it provides for the nation's transporta­

tion needs . These enhancement activities include

the provision of facilities for bicycles and pedestrians

as an integral part of communities' transportation

infrastructure.

TEA-21 contains several different "pots" of money for

specific program areas, but the one of most importance,

that includes 'Transportation Enhancements', is called

the Surface Transportation Program (STP), which was

funded at $33.3 billion over six years. STP is a block

grant-type program that makes money available to

state and local communities for a broad range of

transportation activities and includes a mandatory ten

23

FUNDING SOURCES

percent set-aside for transportation enhancement

activities ($3.33 billion!) . Clearly this is a significant

source of funding for bicycle and pedestrian facilities .

It has already had profound impacts in communities

across the country and its potential cannot be under­

stated.

EDITOR 'S NOTE: During development o,fthis

concept plan, the City of North Bend applied for and

received a TEA-21 enhancement grant.from the Oregon

Department of Transportation in the amount of

$574,750. The grant will be used for development of

the pathway component of the Pony Creek Greenway.

A portion of the funds will be utilized in the fall of

1999 for engineering and design work, and actual

construction is expected to occur during the construc­

tion season in the summer of 200 I. On behalf of the

Planning Team, Advisory Committee and residents

of North Bend, THANK YOU Oregon Department

of Transportation!

EPA Environmental Education Grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

administers a grant program for environmental

education projects . Grants of under $5,000 are

encouraged, but can be higher. Contact: Sally Hanft,

(206) 553-1207 or 1-800 424-4EPA.

STATE

Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Program

I% of state gas taxes are set aside in a fund for

projects benefiting non-motorized bicycle and

pedestrian projects in Oregon. See 'Oregon Bicycle

and Pedestrian Plan' for detailed information on

guidelines and criteria for accessing these funds .

Contact: Michael Rankin, Manager

Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Program

Oregon Department of Transportation

Room 210 Transportation Building

Salem, Oregon 97310

(503) 378-3433

Land and Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (L&WCF)

was enacted by Congress in 1964 to establish a

funding source for grants to state and local

crovernments for land acquisition and/or development b

of outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The program

is managed by the National Park Service but

administered in each state through a governor­

appointed state agency responsible to the National

Park Service (i.e., federally funded/state administered

program). L&WCF grants require a 50% match from

state or local funds. Eligible applicants include cities,

counties, and recreation and park districts authorized

to provide public park and recreation facilities . Areas

funded through L&WCF grant assistance are required

to be dedicated in perpetuity for public recreation

use. In Oregon, the L&WCF is managed by the

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

NOTE: Funding for L&WCF has not been authorized

the past few years, so grant money is not currently

available. There are, however, several proposals before

Congress seeking to reinvent, reorganize, and/or

reestablish funding for the program.

Contact: Marilyn Lippincott

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

I I 15 Commercial Street, NE

Salem, OR 97310-100 I

(503) 378-4168, ext. 241

Oregon State Lottery

Oregon voters passed an initiative in the fall of

1998 authorizing a percentage of state lottery money

to be dedicated to an acquisition and development

grant program for parks and recreation purposes. The

program will be administered by the Oregon Parks and

Recreation Department, which expects to launch it in

the spring of the year 2000.

Contact: Marilyn Lippincott

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

1115 Commercial Street, NE

Salem, OR 97310-100 I

(503) 378-4168, ext. 241

PONY CREEK CREENWAY A Concept Plan 24

PRIVATE BUSINESS

The Phillips Petroleum Environmental Partnership

Awards program gives grants between $500-$5,000

to community organizations doing environmental

projects like stream restorations. Grants tend to be

given to educational projects with schools or groups

working with schools. Matching funds are required .

Contact: Patricia Marshall, (918) 661-5139

Coors Pure Water 2000 provides non-profit groups

nationwide with small grants for water quality im­

provement projects such as river cleanups, restoration

projects and educational programs. Contact: Dave

Taylor, (800) 642-6116

FOUNDATIONS

The Brainerd Foundation awards grants for projects

that build citizen support for environmental protection

and have the potential to influence public policy.

These errants are awarded to incorporated 50l(c) b

(3) organizations only. Contact: (206) 448-7222,

info@brainerd.org

The Harder Foundation is a small foundation that

funds environmental action projects in support of

habitat protection, especially prime habitat areas

facing immediate threats on public lands. Some of

the Harder Foundation's grants involve acquisition

of natural areas, especially when they are of regional

biological significance. Forty percent of their grants

are made to grantees in the states of Washington and

Oregon . Write for "Guidelines for Grant Proposals."

Contact: Del Langbauer (253) 593-2121,

HARDERFNDN@aol.com

The Give to the Earth Foundation funds a variety of

small environmental projects. Applicant organizations

must have minimal administrative overhead, and

results must be tangible. Typical grant size is $2,500.

Contact: Ellen Liberatori, (800) 933-9628

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The Bullitt Foundation gives grants to a variety of

environmental projects in the Pacific Northwest.

Contact: Emory Bundy, (206) 343-0807

The Wilburforce Foundation funds wildlife and habitat

protection and environmental education projects.

Contact: Timothy Greyhavens, (206) 286-4554

The Kodak American Green ways Awards Program

provides small grants (from $500 to $2,500) for

green way and trail projects throughout America.

Contact: Denise Swol at The Conservation Fund,

(703) 525-6300 or dswol@conservationfund.org.

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS

Many grant programs require a local match to help

demonstrate the communities' commitment to the

project. Often this 'match' requirement can be met with

what is referred to as an 'in-kind' contribution. In-kind

contributions are donations of labor, equipment and

materials to the overall cost of completing a project

that can be translated to a dollar value used to meet the

matching requirement. Volunteer labor for tasks such

as clearing, brushing, construction, etc. , can go a long

way towards meeting local match requirements when

applying for grants.

Volunteers

NON-MONETARY SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE

Individuals, organizations, corporations and businesses

may volunteer for many of the tasks required for

development and maintenance of the greenway. A

few specific examples of possible volunteer sources

include: youth groups such as the boy and girl scouts;

historical societies; the arts community; senior citizen

groups; service clubs and organizations (e.g., Rotary,

Lions, etc.); church groups; and business and/or

employee associations.

25

To use volunteer assistance most effectively, it is

suggested that a volunteer program be established.

Such a program should consist of three components:

I) task identification; 2) training; and 3) rewards.

A volunteer or college intern could run the program.

Task Identification. It is important to clearly

identify tasks needed for greenway development and

maintenance. By knowing in advance what tasks need

to be completed and what labor, time, and skill are

required, volunteers can be used most effectively. It

is also important to establish construction and

maintenance guidelines and standards (i .e., design

styles, colors and materials) to avoid haphazard

development and achieve a uniform look and feel

throughout the greenway.

Training. Training makes volunteers more useful and

knowledgeable, feel needed, and serves as an incentive

for long term commitment. Following are ideas to

include in a training program:

• Safety and proper use of tools.

• Overview of management objectives and

policies

• Information on the natural and cultural

resources of the green way and how they are

helping protect and manage those resources

• Emergency preparedness (i.e., what actions

to take in an emergency, who to contact, first

aid and CPR, etc.) .

Rewards. It is important to reward people for their hard

work and commitment. Ways to show appreciation to

volunteers who donate their time and energy include:

• Certificates - acknowledge their

involvement with the trail

• Training or tools - not only shows

appreciation but also helps them to do a more

effective job

• Mementos - gifts such as baseball caps or

T-shirts are another way to say "thank you"

• Parties - annual picnics or barbecues are a

good opportunity for celebrating a job

well-done

Youth Corps

Youth corps work groups can provide assistance either

free of charge or at significantly reduced costs and can

support a variety of labor intensive projects such as

trail construction, stream restoration, habitat improve­

ment, tree planting, etc.

Fundraisine

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING AND

DONATIONS

Service clubs and organizations can be encouraged

to organize and conduct a wide range of activities to

generate revenue for construction and maintenance.

Car washes, bake sales, rummage sales, etc., are all

possibilities. One idea in particular is for an organiza­

tion (like a scout troop) to implement a 'Recycle for

the Trail' project. Collection boxes could be

conveniently located throughout town encouraging

people to donate their recycled cans and bottles to the

trail. The organization would regularly collect

contributions and deposit the proceeds into an account

set up to support trail maintenance and construction.

Donations Donations are often a big part of funding a trail

project. Corporate sponsors can potentially contribute

thousands of dollars through direct contributions,

endowments, or employee challenge/match programs.

PONY CREEK CREENWAY A Concept Plan 26

INFORMATION SOURCES

The best source of information for all federal

grant programs is a catalog published by the U.S.

Government Printing Office called the 'Catalog of

Federal Domestic Assistance.' The catalog is a

compendium of federal programs, projects , services,

and activities, which provide assistance or benefits

to the American public. It contains information on

programs administered by departments and

establishments of the federal government organized

by agency, function, subject, and applicant eligibility.

The catalog is available at most libraries and is sold

on a subscription basis by the Superintendent of

Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,

Washington, D.C. 20402.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and

the North American Association for Environmental

Education (NAAEE) have developed a publication

called "Grant Funding for Your Environmental

Education Project" which provides strategies for

identifying potential sources of funding. This

publication can be purchased for $5 from NAAEE,

Publications and Member Services, P.O. Box 400,

Troy, Ohio, 45373.

The 1996-97 Pacific Northwest Grantmakers

Forum Member Directory lists more than fifty major

foundations in the Pacific Northwest. It is available

from the Forum at (206) 624-9899, or you can contact

Seattle Public Library's Grantsmanship Center. The

Grantsmanship Center has a complete collection of

resources for anyone seeking grant funding . Seattle

Public Library, 1000 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104.

Call: (206) 386-INFO.

The National Small Flows Clearinghouse operates a

computer bulletin board that can help "tread the murky

waters of environmental finance". The bulletin board

lists grant and loan opportunities, and provides

information on funding alternatives, highlights of

successful funding methods, and referrals to financing

experts. Contact: Brad Maust, (800) 624-8301 .

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The Pony Creek Greenway will be a carefully

planned corridor along Pony Creek and Pony

Slough that blends and integrates various community

transportation, recreation , environmental education

and resource conservation goals . It will be used

by residents and visitors for recreation and as a

non-motorized transportation link to other parts of the

community. It will preserve habitat for native plant

CONCLUSION

and animal communities. It will serve as an outdoor

classroom where people can learn about natural

physical processes and ecosystems. Finally, it will

increase people's awareness and stewardship for the

important, but often forgotten, resources of Pony

Creek which flows through the heart of the City

of North Bend.

Proposed Pony Creek path that will run through the heart of the city.

27

APPENDICES

Pied-billed Grebe

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Green Heron

Turkey Vulture

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Bufflehead

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Northern Harrier

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Cooper's Hawk

American Kestrel

Merlin

Virginia Rail

Sora

American Coot

Common Snipe

Mew Gull

California Gull

Western Gull

Caspian Tern

Rock Dove

Band-tailed Pigeon

Mourning Dove

CHECKLIST OF BIRDS FOR PONY SLOUGH MARSH

(Adjacent to Pony Creek at NBHS & NBJH):

BIRDS

Common Nighthawk Swainson's Thrush Vaux's Swift Wrentit

Rufous Hummingbird European Starling

Belted Kingfisher Cedar Waxwing

Downy Woodpecker Orange-crowned Warbler

Hairy Woodpecker Yellow-rumped Warbler

Northern Flicker Townsend's Warbler

Olive-sided Flycatcher Common Yellowthroat

Western Wood-Pewee Wilson's Warbler

Pacific-slope Flycatcher Western Tanager

Hutton's Vireo Spotted Towhee

Steller's Jay Savannah Sparrow

American Crow Fox Sparrow

Common Raven Song Sparrow

Tree Swallow White-crowned Sparrow

Violet-green Swallow Dark-eyed Junco

N. Rough-winged Swallow Red-winged Blackbird

Barn swallow Western Meadowlark

Cliff Swallow Brewer's Blackbird

Black-capped Chickadee Brown-headed Cowbird

Chestnut-backed Chickadee House Finch

Bush tit

Red-brested Nuthatch

Winter Wren

Marsh Wren

Golden-crowned Kingly

Ruby-crowned Kingly

Red Crossbill

Pine Siskin

American Goldfinch

House Sparrow

(Compiled by Larry Thornburgh North Bend High School, 4/98)

PONY CREEK GREENWAY A Concept Plan 28

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Bobcat

Pacific Shrew

Virginia Opossum

Black-tailed Deer

Shrew-mole

Big Brown Bat

Gray Fox

Coast Mole

Dusky-footed Woodrat

Racoon

California Myotis

Norway Rat

River Otter

Long-eared Myotis

House Mouse

Beaver

CHECKLIST OF MAMMALS FOR PONY SLOUGH MARSH

(Adjacent to Pony Creek at NBHS & NBJH):

MAMMALS

Little Brown Myotis

Ermine

Porcupine

Yuma Myotis

Townsend's Vole

Brush Rabbit

Fringed Myotis

White-footed Vole

Mountain Beaver

Townsend's Chipmunk

Long-tailed Vole

Nutria

Douglas' Squirrel

Creeping Vole

Long-tailed Weasel

Pacific Jumping Mouse

29

Spotted Skunk

Bushy-tailed Woodrat

Muskrat

Striped Skunk

Mink

Deer Mouse

Vagrant Shrew

(Compiled by Dan VanDyke, 11 /98, Oregon Department Fish and Wildlife)

CHECKLIST OF PLANTS FOR PONY SLOUGH MARSH

On July 31 , 1998, a cursory survey was conducted infestation of purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)

which, without any action in the near future (such as

establishment of biocontrols or herbicide application),

threatens the integrity of the wetland. Purple

loosestrife has the ability to outcompete native

vegetation and will degrade nesting habitat for

waterfowl. No federally endangered or threatened

plant species, or species on the Oregon Natural

Heritage List, were located during the survey.

of the plants of Pony Slough from the baseball field to

Newmark Street in the area along the west side of the

channel. This list should not be considered

comprehensive since only a small portion of the area

was surveyed. The plant communities could be

characterized as typical brackish/freshwater marshes

dominated by cattails (Typha latifolia) and slough

sedge (Carex obnupta). This area has a serious

PLANl_,S COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

Silverweed Potentilla Anserina

Slough Sedge Carex Obnupta

Tall Fescue Festuca Arundinacea

Tufted Hairgrass Deschampsia Cespitosa

Cattail Typha Latifolia

Purple Loosestrife Lythrum Salicaria

Curly Dock Rumex Crispus

Bentgrass Agrostis Stolonifera

Dagger-leaf Rush Jancus Ensifolius

Meadow Barley Hordeum Branchyantherum

Bulrush Scirpus Tabernaemontani

Brass-buttons Cotula Coronopifolia

Pondweed Potomogeton Sp

Foxtail Alopecurus Pratensis

Lilaeopsis Lilaeopis Occidentalis

Lyngbye's Sedge Carex Lygnbyei

American Water-plantain Alisma Plantago-aquatica

Spike-rush Eleocharis Sp

Hooker's Willow Salix Hookeriana

Arrow-grass Triglochin Striata

Reed Canary Grass Phalaris Arundinacea

Speedwell Veronica Sp

Water Buttercup Ranunculus Flammula

Water Starwort Callitriche Sp

Burreed Sparganium Sp

Knotweed Polygonum Hydropiperoides

Rushes Jancus Spp

Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus Occidentalis

Gumweed Grindelia Sp

ABUNDANCE*

Common

Common

Uncommon

Uncommon

Common

Common

Uncommon

Common

Rare

Uncommon

Common

Uncommon

Uncommon

Uncommon

Rare

Uncommon

Uncommon

Common

Uncommon

Rare

Uncommon

Uncommon

Uncommon

Uncommon

Rare

Uncommon

Uncommon

Rare

Rare

* Refers to abundance within the survey area (List Compiled Courtesy of BLM 7 /98)

PONY CREEK CREENWAY A Concept Plan 30

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City o :r 'North Bend . . . . .

·,Post -Office Box B • North ·Bend, OR 9.7459 -=0014 • Phorie: (503) 756.:.0405 · ·,FAX: (503) 756..:0142

-June 4, 1998

Braceliri-Yeager :Propert:Les, LLC 3055 Ocean 'Blvd Coos Bay, .OR 97 420

Re: Pon:y Creek Greenway -Project

Dear Property Owner,

The 'North ~end School District, City of North Bend and other local partners have j oi-ned together to work on a development plan for the Pony Creek area between Vir_ginia Avenue and Newmark .Avenue. The partnership has rece·ived a ,grant from the National · Parks Service for technical assistance in facilitating a public :input process and writing a ~trategic ~lan for the development.

The initial ideas for the area are; a bicycle ,& pedestrian pathway along the creek and through the marsh and a ·.wetla·nd education center, near the east side of the .North :Bend ·Junior -High, £-or student e<:l.ucation. -A third component may be an educational interpretive center near Newmark. All components would be .access-ible to the public.

It is our. intention to involve the c.ommuni ty and particularly the adjacent ,property owners in :the '_planning process, so concerns and ideas can be addressed at the beginning of the process. Another step in the process will be the -gathering -0£ so~e preliminary informa~io:h on wildlife, vegetation and water quality· in the area. -Project parti·ci'pants will be conducting these surveys this ·summer and Fall.

The ,planning and . advisory committee ·members would like to meet with you to discuss this project and get your input. We will b~ ha~ing a public meeting sometime in August to discuss the project.

Please c6ntact me at your convenience if you have ~uestions oi suggestions for the .project. I can b~ reached at 756-3667 or P.O. Bo~ B, North Berid, Oregon 97459.

Sinceiely,

Kelli Watson ~brty Creek . Greenway Project

PUBLIC MEETING COMMENTS - SEPTEMBER 1998

Pony Creek Greenway Project Public Meeting and Workshop September 28, 1998

SUMMARY OF COMMENTS

Vision/Management Issues

I . Chuck Erwin - Concern about litter and vandalism

to area if opened to public.

2. Vision Statement is very good (oral comment)

3. Concern expressed about how maintenance and

upkeep will occur after trail is built. Where will

money come from and who will be responsible?

4. Safety for users of trail from criminal activity.

5. If young people could be made to feel they had a

stake in this project (a feeling of ownership) it might

go a long ways toward the issues of trash/litter

control, keeping vandalism down and keeping

things clean.

Trail Design

1. Development plans for 2 block area west of pump

station. Plans to build condos and needs all the land

base available and doesn't want the trail to be in

people's backyard. Would prefer trail be closer to

the creek in this area. He owns the wetland portion

too. He would be willing to possibly donate this

land for the project and wants to work closely with

the committee on this issue. Favors overall concept.

(Scott Lewis, owner).

2. Concerned about access off of trail onto his property.

Lives near Clark Street. Favors project concept.

(Unknown owner).

3. Concerned about access from trail onto his property.

Favors concept plan. (Pastor at Gold Coast

Academy).

4. Concerned about access to his property from the

trail. Lives on east side of Pony Creek area.

(Bill Poppe).

5. Do you agree with preliminary thinking about trail

location? Yes (2 people)

6. Do you agree with Advisory Committee vision for

a trail that accommodates both recreation and

non-motorized use? Yes (2 people)

PONY CREEK CREENWAY A Concept Plan 32

7. Do you favor construction of wildlife viewing

platforms off the main pathway? Yes (2 people).

8. Would like landscaping used to block views of

residences to discourage crime

9. Prefers wood fencing

Education

1. Do you support the Advisory Committee vision for

the green way to function as an outdoor classroom for

people to learn about the natural world?

Yes (2 people)

2. Send brochures to neighboring schools to invite

them to visit our community.

3. Interpretive Signs - include photos of what to

look for.

4. Curriculum Guide - Yes, yes, yes. Send to schools at

beginning of year so teachers can plan ahead.

5. Display student reports periodically at interpretive

centers to provide an added incentive for thorough

investigation and reporting. Maybe they could be

placed in a (glass) case to protect from weather along

the trail.

Education science center

1. Concerned about Fish Culture Facility being located

right next to her property. Lives at end of 'D' Street.

(Mrs. Nevin, owner).

2. Concern expressed about the school district's desire

to build a fish culture facility. The concern is that

hatchery operations have not proved to be the

answer for saving wild salmon runs, so what is the

lesson we want our students to learn?

3. Concern expressed about the potential conflict

between the Water Board's need to increase reservoir

capacity which could reduce the volume of flow into

Pony Creek and have an adverse impact on the

proposed Fish Culture Facility.

4. Provide public viewing opportunities.

5. Provide guided tours for school's field trips .

6. Would you be interested in learning about the Fish

Culture Facility when passing by while out enjoying

the trail? Yes (2 people).

7. Publicity in local papers.

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Permitting Process

I. I agree with the proposal to reconstruct wetlands

within the Pony Creek corridor as mitigation for

developing new ballfields in another location .

2. I agree this is an appropriate site for wetland

mitigation .

3. Should efforts be made to include students in both

the reconstruction and long-term monitoring of the

mitigation site as an educational opportunity?

Yes (2 people) .

4. I believe students should also have the opportunity

to learn about the planning efforts required for a

project like this to go through.

33

Pony Creek Greenway Project Public Meeting September 30, 1999

SUMMARY OF COMMENTS

I. Hours of Operation? Suggest dawn to dusk (because

of user safety and impacts to wildlife from night

lighting reasons)

2. Consider using footlights in some areas for night use

(less impact on wildlife and users can still see the

moon and stars)

3. Lighting is not compatible with 'natural value'

goals.

4. Like the idea of restoring the soccer field to

wetlands.

5. Four otters live in the wetland area by the ballfields,

right by the bend.

6. Think about putting boardwalk in areas where you

plan to do restoration .

7. Will there be a pet policy? Suggest pets okay on

leash.

8. Plan for accessibility - make it accessible to all.

9. Any talk about dredging?

I 0. Any talk about taking out the tidegate?

I I. Coho and Chinook runs are occurring in

Pony Creek.

12. Water Board has been charged with responsibility

of restoration of Pony Creek and water quality.

13. Take steps to screen trail from adjacent property

owners. Work with adjacent property owners one­

on-one during the design process.

14. Think about potential issue of people parking on

side streets and/or dead-ends and creating problems

for residents.

15. Consider old 'Kentucky Fried Chicken' building

for use as education science center

16. Why isn't the vision statement broader in scope

(i .e., include Coos Bay and beyond)?